Per ESPN's reporting, the Los Angeles Rams pursued Maxx Crosby shortly after his trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens fell through because of a failed physical.
Sources told NFL Network that, while other teams showed interest, the Rams were the strongest club pushing for a deal, reflecting their propensity to swing big in the offseason.
Before any official talks could proceed, Crosby let it be known to anyone interested that he did not want to be traded and wanted to remain with the Raiders, a message he also passed to his own organization.
Crosby famously responded to the failed trade with the words, 'I'm a Raider. I'm back. Run that (expletive).', a quote attributed to him in ESPN's reporting.
The five-time Pro Bowler delivered a similar message to the Rams and other teams that had expressed interest in acquiring him.
ESPN notes that the original plan had been for the Raiders to send Crosby to the Ravens in one of the biggest offseason moves, with two first-round draft picks heading back to Las Vegas.
However, Baltimore was not comfortable with Crosby's surgically repaired knee, causing the deal to collapse.
The Rams had already turned the NFL on its ear this spring with their blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett, and ESPN reports that if they had gotten their initial wish they would have pursued Crosby instead; his stance ultimately ended the talks and left Los Angeles to move forward with Garrett.
This article synthesizes reporting from ESPN, Yahoo Sports. Top story: "Sources: Maxx Crosby shut down Rams trade talks after failed Ravens deal" (ESPN).